Getting to Know a College (Even If You Can’t Visit): Lessons from USC

I visited the University of Southern California last month and got a chance to see for myself the beautiful campus, filled with palm trees, flowers, and fountains, plopped in the middle of the city of Los Angeles. But the main things I took away from the visit were not so much my impressions of the university and its many different divisions (including cinematic arts, engineering, and business), but rather that, before applying, it’s essential that students connect with a school and its admissions office to find out the school’s priorities, new programs, and insider’s tips for applicants. And even for those who can’t visit in person, there are many ways to connect virtually.

Here are a few valuable takeaways from my USC visit—tips that will apply to any college you consider.

Reach Out to Your Admissions Officer

Colleges and universities have admissions officers assigned to specific regions, and even sometimes to specific schools. Contacting your admissions officer can’t hurt, especially if you have a good question that can’t be answered by looking at a college’s website. USC has 40 admissions officers, each of whom recruits and evaluates applicants from an assigned territory. Be sure to talk with your consultant about the content of your message before you reach out.

Follow Individual Academic Departments on Instagram

This is a great way to get a sense of the projects, events, and student work the departments are showcasing. If you are excited about those types of projects, be sure to mention them in your college-specific essays. For “Why this major?” supplemental essays, it’s always important to show that you’ve done your research about the academic department where you’re hoping to study. 

Attend Virtual or In-Person Information Sessions

 Information sessions are a great way to learn about new or innovative programs.  For example, at the session I went to, we heard that USC’s Marshall School of Business has recently added a World Business Bachelor’s degree (WBB), a global program where students study at USC as well as universities in Milan and Hong Kong and get degrees from each university. Since the WBB is new, USC is trying to get more students to apply to the direct-entry program.  

I also learned about another innovative direct-admit program: the Iovine and Young Academy (co-founded by Dr Dre, whose name is Andre Young). In this 20-person program, students study integrated design, business, and technology, with an emphasis on experiential learning. 

Follow the Admissions Blog

These can be chock-full of information about campus life, student experiences, and admissions tips. USC’s admissions blog is a good example.

As you narrow down your list and get ready to write your essays, digging deeper to gather specific information and really get a sense of the schools you’re applying to is essential. These small steps—connecting with admissions, following departments, attending sessions—can provide the details and context that make your application stronger and more authentic.

By Katie Bacon

Learn more about how we can help support your student’s college journey by scheduling an introductory call with one of our college consultants.